Section 8.0 FACULTY SENATE

8.1 Creation of the Faculty Senate: 
In compliance with State Law, the South Plains College Board of Regents (The Board) hereby establishes the Faculty Senate as an advisory body. The Board retains the authority to alter or dissolve the Faculty Senate at any time in accordance with the institution's policies and the law.

 

8.2 Governance and Oversight:
The Faculty Senate shall operate under the direction and authority of the Board, which will ensure compliance with applicable State laws and other applicable regulations.

 

8.3 Roles, Responsibilities, and Restrictions:
Role: The Faculty Senate is an advisory body only and does not have decision-making authority on institutional matters. It shall advise the administration on the general welfare of the college, including academic policies, faculty welfare, and institutional planning. 

Scope of Responsibilities: The Faculty Senate shall provide advice and support services on the following:

  • Faculty welfare, including, but not limited to, tenure, compensation, and professional development
  • Institutional policies that impact faculty, including those related to governance and workload.

Restrictions on Authority: The Faculty Senate is prohibited from issuing any statement or report using the college's official seal, trademark, or resources funded by the institution on matters that are not directly related to the Senate's advisory duties. 


Meeting Requirements:
Quorum: A quorum is defined as the presence of 51% or more of voting senate members.

Open Meetings: All meetings of the Faculty Senate at which a quorum is present shall be open to the public, conducted in accordance with procedures prescribed by the College President. Faculty Senate meetings will comply with all applicable open meetings laws. 

Live Streaming of Meetings: The meetings at which a quorum is present must be broadcast over the internet with live video and audio.
Attendance and Recordkeeping: Attendance will be recorded for each meeting, 
particularly for business related to votes of no confidence or policies related to 
curriculum and academic standards.

Meeting Notices: The agenda for each meeting will be posted on the college’s website at least seven days prior to the meeting, including the agenda with sufficient detail to indicate the items to be discussed or subject to a vote.

Public Accountability: All meeting records, including attendance and meeting minutes, shall be made publicly available on the college’s website. The Faculty 
Senate will ensure transparency in its activities, as required by applicable state law.


8.4 Membership:
Selection and Term-limits of Members:
Faculty Senate members shall be selected through a process established by the Board. The Faculty Senate will be comprised of no more than 60 members and will be selected as outlined below.

Eligibility: Faculty members who are full-time employees of SPC are eligible to serve on the Faculty Senate, provided they have not reached the term 
limits specified below.

Appointed Officials: The presiding officials (Presiding Officer, Associate Presiding Officer, and Secretary) of the Faculty Senate shall be appointed by 
the College President annually, and may serve up to six consecutive one-year terms, with the possibility of reappointment after the second anniversary of 
the last day of their last term.

Appointed Members: One faculty member from each academic division shall be appointed by the College President annually, and may serve up to six 
consecutive one-year terms, with the possibility of reappointment after the second anniversary of the last day of their last term.
Procedure for Appointed Members: Procedures for appointed members will be dictated by the President of the College.

Elected Members: Faculty members from Academic Divisions within the institution, elected by their peers, shall serve staggered two-year terms in a 
manner that allows approximately one-half of the elected members to be elected each year; elected members may only be re-elected after the second 
anniversary of the last day of the members most recent term.

Elections Procedure for Elected Members: Every year, two faculty members from each academic division shall be elected by their colleagues within their 
respective academic divisions to serve a two-year term on the senate. Names of potential nominees must be forwarded to the Senate Presiding Officers by the April meeting to be voted on in May, by the faculty within each division, for terms beginning the upcoming academic term. Elections will be held annually to ensure the staggering of the two-year term limits. Presiding Officer Duties: The Presiding Officers will serve as the leadership team for the Senate and will have the following duties:

1. Presiding Officer: Oversees Senate meetings, serves as the primary liaison between the Senate and the administration, and represents 
the Senate in official communications.

2. Associate Presiding Officer: Assists the Presiding Officer and assumes duties in the event of the Presiding Officer's absence.

3. Secretary: Keeps records of meetings, including minutes and attendance, and controls the live broadcast of Senate meetings.

 

Senate Member Duties:

1. Members shall provide advice and support services on their prospective academic divisions, including (but not limited to) academic standards and curriculum development; Faculty welfare, such as tenure, compensation, and professional development; and Institutional policies that impact faculty, including those related to governance and workload.

2. Attendance (in-person or virtual) is required for 75% of the meetings held within the academic year.

3. Service on the Faculty Senate is considered an additional duty and will not be compensated separately beyond the faculty member’s normal 
salary or benefits. However, expenses for activities directly related to Senate duties may be reimbursed with approval from the institution.


Removal of Members: Faculty Senate members may be immediately removed for:

1. Failing to conduct themselves in accordance with the Senate's guidelines and responsibilities.
2. Failing to attend 75% of meetings.
3. Engaging in other misconduct or violating the terms of their service.
4. A member may be removed upon recommendation from the institution's Chief Academic Officer and/or approval of the College President.

 

8.5 Annual Review: 
The Faculty Senate shall undergo an annual review to ensure it is operating in compliance with applicable state law. The review will include feedback from 
faculty members, administrators, and other stakeholders to evaluate the Senate’s effectiveness.

 

UPDATED JANUARY 15, 2026